XOLOITZCUINTLES TIE IN MORELIA, EARN A POINT

MORELIA, Mexico- Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles de Caliente played to a scoreless draw against host Monarcas Morelia in a Week 4 match of the LIGA Bancomer MX-2014 Apertura Friday night Aug. 8.

The Xoloitzcuintles had the chance to take the lead in the 62^nd minute when Dayro Moreno was fouled in the area and a penalty kick was whistled against the home team. Club Tijuana midfielder Cristian Pellerano missed the penalty kick, sending the ball high over the crossbar.

Coach Cesar Farias’ team started Cirilo Saucedo at goalkeeper, who made a barrage of standout saves, including one right before halftime. He stopped a shot heading at a tough angle. Team captain Javier Gandolfi and Hernan Pellerano were the central defenders and handled Morelia’s attackers well, saving he shutout. Greg Garza was the leftback while Israel Jimenez was the right back.  

Javier Guemez, Juan Arango, Cristian Pellerano and Richard Ruiz started at midfield. The midfield communicated well and even generated several shots on goal from just outside the penalty area.

Dario Benedetto and Dayro Moreno were the starting strikers who generated fluid scoring chances but could not find the net. Club Tijuana almost scored a minute into the match when Benedetto sent a rifling shot on to the Morelia goalkeeper.

Juan Carlos Nuñez (60^th minute), Henry Martin (77) and Joe Corona (84) were second half substitutes. Martin created a scoring chance in injury time of the second half. But he couldn’t convert.

Coach Cesar Farias’ team gains a point in the standings with the draw. The Xoloitzcuintles are now 0-2-2 with two points in the tournament. The Xoloitzcuintles will next travel to Salt Lake City, Utah for an exhibition match against Major League Soccer side Real Salt Lake Aug. 12. Club Tijuana will then return to official play when it hosts Jaguares de Chiapas in a Week 5 match Friday Aug. 15 at Estadio Caliente.